RESUMEN
Background: Soft tissue defects in the lower third of the leg present significant challenges for surgeons. Despite various options available for soft tissue coverage, selecting the most suitable option is limited by potential complications. In response to this challenge, some surgeons have sought to develop algorithms to guide decision-making in the management of lower leg trauma. Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional study included 53 patients with traumatic injuries to the lower third leg and ankle regions. Each patient underwent a management plan based on our proposed algorithm, which incorporated the utilization of negative pressure wound therapy and dermal substitutes. Outcomes were assessed in terms of the ability to achieve complete coverage, complication rates, duration of hospital stay, and return to normal daily activity. Results: The proposed algorithm proved to be comprehensive and easily applicable, achieving complete coverage in 98.1% of cases. The mean duration for definitive coverage was 21.89â ±â 12.84 days, and the majority of cases (81.1%) returned to normal daily activity within a mean duration of 60.69â ±â 56.7 days. The use of dermal substitutes resulted in achieving coverage in wounds with exposed structures, with favorable outcomes in cases with a mean size of 11.39â ±â 10.05 cm². Conclusions: Our algorithm provides a safe and effective approach to manage traumatic defects of the lower third leg and ankle, considering the patient's general condition and the complexity of the wound. Proper utilization of dermal substitutes and negative pressure wound therapy is emphasized in the algorithm.
Asunto(s)
Circuncisión Femenina , Brazo , Circuncisión Femenina/efectos adversos , Clítoris/cirugía , Estética , Femenino , HumanosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Complications caused by female genital mutilation (FGM), such as clitoral pain, reduced sensation, and diminished sexual function, can be alleviated by clitoral reconstruction, which can also improve the aesthetics and restore the anatomy of the genitalia. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to create sensate labial flaps to cover the neoclitoris and assess the outcome of the procedure. METHODS: Between December 2018 and July 2020, 40 patients with FGM underwent clitoral reconstruction and coverage with sensate labial flaps donated by the remnant of the labia minora and were followed prospectively. Flaps were mapped on the less-mutilated labia minora according to recent descriptions of arterial anatomy and innervation. Before the surgery, the patients' clitoral sensation was assessed on a 6-point scale and they were also given the Female Sexual Functional Index (FSFI) questionnaire to complete. Eight and 24 weeks postoperatively, the same assessment was repeated and the data compared. RESULTS: The mean Female Sexual Functional Index score increased significantly from 11.64 (range, 2.8-25.6) preoperatively to 29.14 (range, 12.8-35.4) postoperatively. Similarly, clitoral sensation increased significantly from 2.35 (range, 1-4) before the surgery to 4.9 (range, 2-6) after the surgery. In total, 95% of patients benefited from the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Clitoral reconstruction with sensate labial flaps after FGM resulted in significant improvements in sexual function, clitoral sensation, genital aesthetics, and self-esteem.